Definition of stupendousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stupendous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stupendous are monstrous, prodigious, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

In what contexts can monstrous take the place of stupendous?

The words monstrous and stupendous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, monstrous implies a departure from the normal (as in size, form, or character) and often carries suggestions of deformity, ugliness, or fabulousness.

the monstrous waste of the project

When is prodigious a more appropriate choice than stupendous?

Although the words prodigious and stupendous have much in common, prodigious suggests a marvelousness exceeding belief, usually in something felt as going far beyond a previous maximum (as of goodness, greatness, intensity, or size).

made a prodigious effort and rolled the stone aside

Where would tremendous be a reasonable alternative to stupendous?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupendous, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stupendous The Boston bullpen followed with stupendous collective effort, and in a timely two hours and 32 minutes, the Red Sox completed 2-1 victory for a series sweep of the White Sox. Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026 Since SpaceX’s stupendous debut, the math governing a potential union has improved substantially. Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 22 June 2026 But once that stupendous on-screen chemistry between co-stars David Tennant and Michael Sheen kicks back in, the old magic shines through, strong as ever, giving us a fitting end to this beloved comic saga. ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026 What does the Fed have to do with this stupendous progress that personifies growth? John Tamny, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • Start with the escargot, which pack a wonderful buttery, garlicky punch, each bite topped with a perfect, tiny puff pastry.
    Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • The combination of David’s wonderful scripts, Lenny back directing on the BBC, Element Pictures producing, and Claire and Mathew leading our cast is a real gift.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • The sense of antiquity is preserved (stone staircases worn smooth by the centuries, wooden shutters in the bedrooms), but there’s no shortage of modern amenities, from the amazing Duxiana beds to bathrooms with rain showers.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • But there’s so many amazing female filmmakers out there as well, who are making really cool films and doing amazing work.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • But the most extraordinary thing on the screen is Antonio Banderas, who delivers an astonishing, devastating performance as the proprietor of the restaurant where Bourdain finds work, and on whose porch Tony ends up sleeping for the summer.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026
  • With the James Webb Space Telescope, next-generation ground observatories, and future missions on the horizon, these seven worlds are unlikely to remain the most astonishing for long.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Somehow those words in that order had never been used in a country song before, which seems miraculous.
    Stephen Deusner, SPIN, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Their lives were recorded in the form of hagiographies, stories of the saints, often ornamented with folkloric motifs, focusing on marvelous adventures and miraculous doings.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • Budapest has marvelous music and museums, and plenty to see and do, and this is a splendid—and central—place to stay to start exploring.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The epoxy will do a marvelous job of filling the crack and staying put.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The navy and green color scheme is incredible and is otherwise completely absent from the visual history of this hockey team.
    The Athletic NHL Staff, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The genus Labisia has some mind-blowing, incredible colors and patterns.
    Dr. Matthew Lisy, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Perhaps more surprising is that the vast majority—70%—were employed, a share that has held steady, meaning co-residency is climbing owing to growth in adults with steady jobs rather than those looking for work.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 29 July 2026
  • This is a terrific role for Woodall, with shades of his party-boy hustler in season two of The White Lotus, Sal’s loose-cannon volatility balanced by surprising loyalty to Tony.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026
Adjective
  • Expect to see everything from elk and moose to bald eagles in one of the most stunning parks in the country.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2026
  • It is finished in a stunning coat of pearl white and features a red-leather interior.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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